Organizers ready for Christmas events at Paseo

It’s all systems go for the annual Christmas activities at the Paseo de Marianas in Garapan.

These will include the posting of Christmas card drawings by students from Rota and Tinian on Dec. 1; the Christmas tree decoration for competing schools on Dec. 3; and the lighting up of a giant Christmas tree on Dec. 4, among others.

Sonia Siwa of PDM Promoters Inc. said the programs are now being readied for these activities.

PDM is a non-profit corporation that aims to promote the Paseo de Marianas and the Garapan vicinity as a family-oriented place—safe and clean for tourist and the local community.

Siwa said the latest school to join the Christmas tree decoration contest was Ladera International School. This brings the total number of participants to 13.

Earlier, 12 elementary schools confirmed their participation, including last year’s first place Saipan Community School, Dandan Elementary School (2nd), Oleai, San Antonio, Garapan, Grace Christian Academy, Tanapag, Kagman, William S. Reyes, San Vicente, Joshua Generation International Academy and G.T. Camacho.

The man’amko will be making their present felt for the first time with a special participation in the Christmas Tree decoration contest

The annual activity started three years ago.

As in the past, the contestants will use recycled materials to decorate their entries and will have the chance to win $3,000 for the first prize and consolation prizes of $500, sponsored by the Tax Education Credit Program.

The awarding ceremony will be held on Dec. 18.

Siwa said the event will be in coordination with the Department of Community and Cultural Affairs and other government agencies and schools and private groups.

RNV Construction will donate a giant Christmas tree in the middle of Paseo to be erected there from Dec. 3 to Dec. 25.

For the first time, tourists will be part of the event. A red ribbon would be provided to each tourist, who will make a wish and tie it to the Christmas tree, starting Dec. 4 to Jan. 6.

Holiday greeting banners would be strung along the light post of Paseo and Garapan district from Dec. 1 to Jan. 6.

Building owners along the Paseo have volunteered to put up Christmas lights in front of their establishments.